The Second Edition of Ebb & Flow is Out Now!

 

A contemplative exploration of change and impermanence
Ebb & Flow is a surreal journey through change, impermanence, and self. Written over the course of a single moon cycle, this debut poetry collection weaves together science, language, and emotion, exploring the fluidity of time and transformation. Griffiths draws on the rhythm of the lunar phases, merging the scientific with the personal as she navigates themes of transition, self-discovery, and the quiet beauty of life's fleeting moments. The collection mirrors the unpredictable movement of the tides—always shifting, yet rooted in the shared human experience of change. Each poem invites readers to reflect on how we all navigate life's currents and how the search for meaning is never truly solitary.

At once intimate and universal, Ebb & Flow speaks to the rhythms that bind us, revealing the mystery and power in accepting the transient moments that shape us.

 

Plant Tour at Versa Press

 

Last week, Danny Whitworth and I had the opportunity to represent Brown Books Publishing Group on a tour of Versa Press, Inc. We spent the day gaining an in-depth understanding of the printing process and meeting with key members of the production team. It was truly remarkable to see how technological advancements, such as CTP technology and automated workflows, have transformed the publishing industry from the days of the Gutenberg Press to modern offset and digital printing.

Special thanks to Daniel Quimby and Brian Opper for hosting us for the day and sharing their time and expertise as they showed us around the plant. It was a wonderful way to celebrate over ten years of continued partnership!

 

Harvard's CopyrightX Course

 

This year I had the privilege of attending Harvard’s annual online copyright course, CopyrightX. For the past 12 weeks, I had the opportunity to meet weekly with peers from all over the world to study and learn about the foundations of copyright law and how technologies and globalization are changing the shape of the law as we know it today.

A very big thank you to my cohort for their excellent discussions and to our instructor, Ming Li, for expertly guiding us through years of case law!

 

A Letter from Alice McLerran

 

Earlier this week, while sorting through some old files, I came across an email I received years ago from Alice McLerran. In my early twenties, I had reached out to her on a whim, hoping to learn more about the inspiration behind her book Roxaboxen. I had first encountered the book as a kindergartner, when I received a signed copy, and it immediately captured my heart. Even now, as an adult, it remains my favorite children's book.

Though Alice had no reason to remember me, she responded with remarkable kindness and generosity. Reading her email again after all these years, I realize that sincerity seemed to be her natural way of engaging with others. I will always be grateful for this brief exchange with the author whose book introduced me to the profound impact of creativity and imagination.

 

Ingram Children's Advance | December 2022

 

I’m thrilled to share that The Story of Ukraine (Brown Books Kids) has graced the cover of Ingram Advance! This recognition comes at a crucial moment, as the war in Ukraine enters its first year, making the book's timely release even more significant. Inside, you'll find an insightful two-page Q&A with authors Olena Kharchenko and Michael Sampson, alongside illustrator Polina Doroshenko. Their perspectives provide a deeper understanding of Ukraine's history, culture, and resilience, offering a powerful context for the ongoing conflict.

We are proud to see this work being recognized for its relevance and impact during such a pivotal time.

 

Melancholy Hour at the Wild Detectives

 

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Nigel Newton and Janielle Kastner for inviting me to participate in the second installment of Melancholy Hour at The Wild Detectives this past Sunday. It was a pleasure reading Ray Bradbury's There Will Come Soft Rains from The Martian Chronicles.

• • • • • •

Join us for the return of Melancholy Hour: Happy Hour for the Rest of Us, an evening of reflective prose and soulful music on Sunday, June 27th from 7-8 PM. It’s that bittersweet moment when the realization hits that the weekend is over, and existential thoughts begin to creep in as the slanted sunlight fades.

A selection of thoughtful readers will present 10-15 minutes of prose centered around the theme of Isolation—exploring what it has felt like (or continues to feel like) for them. The readings will be accompanied by live music from Nigel Newton (vibes) and Neil Coburn (guitar), creating an atmosphere of perfectly moody reflection.

 

Mavs Open Press Wins Publishing Practice Award in Accessibility

 

I am pleased to announce that Mavs Open Press has been awarded the Accessibility Award for our publication, Applied Fluid Mechanics Lab Manual. The submissions were evaluated by the LPC Publishing Practice Awards Committee through a competitive selection process. Our submission was recognized for "demonstrating exemplary practices in publishing, with a strong emphasis on key publishing principles."

For further details on our publishing practices, please visit the LPC Blog.

 

Crowd Control on Hiatus

 

Will and Brittany here! As the year comes to a close, we’ve been reflecting on the future of Crowd Control and evaluating our role in hosting the open mic each month. After 2 ½ years, we’ve made the decision to place Crowd Control on hiatus. This choice comes after much consideration, driven primarily by personal responsibilities we are each taking on. We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the Dallas cultural arts community, and we cannot thank you enough for your support, encouragement, and creative inspiration from day one.

When we started Crowd Control at Mudsmith in July 2017, we barely knew anyone, and over the years, the open mic has allowed us to connect with so many incredibly talented and wonderful people in Dallas. One of the things we’ve both cherished most about Crowd Control—and we think we can speak for each other here—is how the number of people who came just to support, watch, and hang out often matched or even surpassed the number of performers. That support is essential to sustaining any cultural arts community, and it’s been inspiring to witness that firsthand at a simple open mic. We’re proud of the eclectic and welcoming energy you all brought each month, creating an atmosphere that was organic and unique—a community we could never have planned, but one we were fortunate to be part of.

We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Mudsmith Coffee and Bar for helping us get started, and to Sundown at Granada for taking a chance on us and hosting us for the past year and a half. The staff have been incredible, and their dedication to supporting the local arts community in Dallas has been evident every step of the way.

• • • • • •

This isn’t goodbye forever, just goodbye for now.
We love y’all.

 

#GirlsClubDallas

 

I had the opportunity to attend Granada Theater’s Girls Club event on Saturday, where I represented Spontaneous Afflatus. The event, which celebrated women in the arts and entrepreneurship, featured live music, specialty cocktails, and an artisan marketplace. It was a privilege to connect with a diverse group of women artisans, crafters, and business owners from the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

There’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing women support one another, and I left feeling inspired and grateful to be part of such a dynamic community. The outstanding music, exceptional talent, and vibrant marketplace made for an empowering and memorable evening.